Oak Branch Cottage: Settling In - Making Oak Branch Cottage Home

Moving house at 58 is definitely a different story than moving in your 30s or 40s! The body certainly feels the extra effort a bit more these days. But despite the tired muscles, there is so much joy in watching a new space gradually transform into home.

Over Fall Break, J and I took things little by little, slowly bringing in our stored collections of artwork, rugs, and furniture. And can I just say—having a true garage and storage area to pull from has been an absolute game-changer!

Placing the Foundations

First on the agenda were the floors. We sourced our rugs and rug pads through Gulf Coast Home, and getting them unrolled and anchored into their "forever spots" instantly made the cottage feel warmer and more grounded.

Once the rugs were down, it was time to address the blank walls. Hanging art is always one of my favorite stages of decorating—it immediately injects personality into a room.

A Distinctly Southern Living Room

In the living room, everything started coming together around the hearth. We hung a collection of hand-painted bird art in a tight grouping surrounding the fireplace, which creates such a cozy focal point. To complement the birds, we brought in hand-painted oyster pieces that add a lovely coastal texture and blend seamlessly for a distinctly Southern aesthetic.

Across the room, an Audubon blue heron print grounds the space and doubles down on that regional flair. We’ve added end tables, lamps, and comfortable chairs to complete the living area. Are they in their absolute "forever spots"? Probably not! But for now, they make the room feel complete, inviting, and ready for living.

The Joy of a Real Dining Room

One of the highlights of this move has been having a dedicated dining space again. We brought our "new-to-us" Duncan Phyfe dining table into the dining room, paired with upholstered chairs that add just the right mix of classic structure and soft comfort. It is so exciting to have a true dining room to gather in once more.

Primary Bedroom Sanctuary

Moving into the primary bedroom, things are really starting to take shape as well! A brand-new bed (headboard - Gulf Coast Home) and mattress are already promising sweet dreams after long days of unpacking. We’ve also installed new lighting and hung a striking sunburst mirror (also-Gulf Coast Home) that pulls the room together.

For the flooring here, we laid down a large seagrass rug trimmed with blue tape, and then layered an older blue-and-white rug right over top for an extra touch of softness and warmth underfoot. It gives the room a relaxed, coastal feel that makes it feel like a true retreat.

The Finishing Touches

If you know me, you know I am a total lover of accessories! Layering in those smaller decor pieces, table lamps, and treasures is where the real fun lies.

I’m certain things will shift and evolve as we bring in more belongings and continue settling into the flow of the space. But for now, this is how Oak Branch Cottage is taking shape—one rug, one painting, and one memory at a time. Movers are scheduled for the end of October. It's getting real, y'all!

Making a Home, y'all!